Need to replace my battery cables. I've got a 2000 WJ 4.0L. Never replaced battery cables before. Do I need vehicle specific cables or can I use universal cables? How hard are they to replace? Thanks for the help.

What size cables did you use? Id rather make my own than spend so much on the complete harness.

By size you mean diameter or length? It's all standard 4 AWG battery cable. For the length, I don't remember. I just took the old ones off and measured them, then grabbed new ones at carquest. They sell different predetermined lengths, so whatever matching length or a tad longer. These are top post cables, but you can also use universal battery terminals with clamps and cut the cables to size; I've done it before.

Making your own cables is very do-able, if you know what you are doing. My only concern, and to be frank, is your basic question of what size cable is used. To start with, you should get a wiring diagram to plan your materials. If you make your own cable set, you will probably spend near $50 if you use good quality cable and especially high quality battery clamps. Besides the battery clamps, you will need connectors for the chassis ground, the starter, and for the alternator.

I'm with js12278 on this one. An OEM set is 'plug-and-play'. All cables are the right length, and have the correct 'connectors' on all the right ends.

You can definitely make your own cables and use better than stock cable as well as upgrade to a marine type terminal which is SOOOO much better for later on when you have to do any removal of the battery or just disconnect for repair work. Lots of people just do that upgrade by chopping off the factory lead ends from the stock cables and then installing new ends only and get a much better connection just from that.

I did this and the cable at the same time with generic parts store stuff, I just bought stuff that was 4ga and cut into correct size pieces from what they had in the premade section. They also sold a better wire maybe 0 ga by the foot there but I felt it was overkill considering I'm all stock radio etc. Think it cost me a bit over $50 total and a couple hours. Jeep starts up like a champ even in 5 degrees we have had repeatedly this winter

After you build your new cables or install a new OEM harness, get yourself some Battery Corrosion Preventer spray. Products called NCP-2. Spray it on the battery terminals to prevent corrosion/oxidation usually found on poorly maintained connections. Use of this spray will keep any corrosion at bay. Spray it on ground connections exposed to the elements as well.

That's what I found on mine. So I decided to just run all new wires. But it is possible to just cut off your battery connector and install a new one. I would use marine style or my preference, military style terminals.